Joyful Love

In this episode of Joyful Love, I share with you how I'm choosing to embrace Perimenopause and listen to my own needs right now. During my 4-month hiatus,  I've had so many benefits of hitting the "pause" button on a few things in life. Slowing down has helped me prevent burnout, make clearer decisions, and deepen my relationships. But it also gave me a little surprise that I'll tell you about in this episode ... a welcome surprise!  Tune in to hear how I'm approaching my own midlife awakening, what I've created along the way, and how you can join me in what's to come!  Listen to the end to hear all about the Have A Better Marriage By Friday Challenge coming up and how to register!  For full show notes and transcript, go to: https://rachaelcunningham.com/podcast/ep_104/

In this episode, we dive deeper into the concept of planned rests and intentional breaks, exploring how they act as crucial periods of healing and growth. Drawing inspiration from nature's cyclical rhythms, we examine the necessity for rest in our lives, especially amidst our busy routines in womanhood, motherhood, career pursuits, and relationships. Episode Insight: Understanding the significance of planned rests as essential for healing and growth. Exploring the parallels between nature's seasonal rest and our own need for rejuvenation. Overcoming societal pressures and patriarchal ideologies about constant productivity to embrace the transformative power of intentional breaks. What You'll Learn: How planned rests contribute to increased energy, creativity, and peace. Identifying areas in your life that would benefit from a break and how to approach this transition. The art of trusting yourself in taking a break and its positive impact on personal and relational well-being. How embracing rest serves as a catalyst for personal growth and the cultivation of joyful living. Listen now to discover just how productive rest can be - for your life and relationship.  To learn more and take a free class on better connection, go to rachaelcunningham.com For more info and to join Stoked: The Marriage Mastermind For Women, go to : https://www.stokedmarriage.com/smm-01      

As the holiday season approaches, the desire to create lasting memories for our families often clashes with the need for personal rest and relaxation. In this episode, we explore how to strike a balance between nurturing our own well-being and ensuring joyful experiences for loved ones. What you'll learn:  Striking a Balance: Learn how to harmonize personal rest with family holiday activities without reaching the breaking point. Client Stories: Here a few real-life examples of clients who managed to honor their need for rest while creating memorable moments for their families.  Preventing Overwhelm: Practical steps to avoid overwhelming situations during the Holiday season and what self-respect has to do with it. The Power of Emotions: Embrace both positive and challenging emotions to create space for joy and peace during the holidays. Get ahead of the game this season! A peaceful, joyful, and connected Holiday begins with This episode, a pen, and a piece of paper!  Grab your pen and paper and listen on!    For more information, check out https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/      

In this episode of "Joyful Love," I tell you exactly how to deal with a defensive partner. We've all been there, attempting to address issues or seek improvements in our relationships, only to have our partners become defensive. This episode explores why this happens and provides practical strategies to foster a deeper connection and open communication with your spouse. You'll hear how my client, Sarah had success in helping her husband feel comfortable in conversations about making change. And I'll tell you the five tools she adopted to help her do so. You'll learn how to create understanding, validate emotions, and work collaboratively to resolve issues, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and supportive partnership. Here's what you'll learn: 1. Discover the root causes of partner defensiveness, including fear, insecurity, and past experiences. 2. Gain insights from a client's success story in transforming a defensive dynamic into a more peaceful and connected relationship. 3. Learn the five essential steps to effectively respond to your partner's defensiveness, including active listening, validation, perspective exploration, and collaboration. 4. Understand that improving your relationship goes beyond surface-level issues; it's about building confidence in yourself to navigate and manage both solvable and unsolvable problems in your partnership. Tune in to "Joyful Love" and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to foster healthier, more satisfying relationships. For full show notes, visit https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/

Can you believe it? The Joyful Love Podcast has hit 100 episodes of inspiration, stories, and relationship wisdom! To celebrate this journey, I've got something special in store for you. In this episode, I'll share my most embarrassing moment as an entrepreneur yet! And then I get to what you really want to know about - the newest, most accessible way to work with me yet - the brand-new membership program! This membership is going to be your opportunity to get all the coaching and support you need to create a marriage and life you're stoked to be in!  Tune in to hear the details and how you can be a Founding Member! For more information, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/        

Resentment normally turns to anger and disconnection in a marriage. But what if we could flip the script and use this feeling FOR our connection instead?  In today's episode, "How To Turn Resentment Into Emotional Connection," you'll discover practical strategies for transforming feelings of resentment into emotional intimacy. What You'll Learn: The nature of resentment and how it can silently affect your relationships. The importance of recognizing and acknowledging resentment to regain personal power. Why expecting a perfect 50/50 balance in relationships can lead to more stress. Three key questions to ask yourself when you feel resentment, including how to communicate your needs to your partner. How expressing gratitude and appreciation can be an antidote to resentment The importance of self-awareness in resolving resentment and building emotional intimacy. Don't miss this episode if you want to learn how to turn resentment into an opportunity for growth, connection, and a thriving marriage For more information and show notes, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/

If you ignore or avoid your emotions ... eventually you'll POP!  I've been there and I'm sure you have too. So today, I'm showing you exactly what to do with your triggers and emotions. You know how sometimes we get so busy with our daily lives that we forget to pay attention to how we feel inside? When we barrel through our emotions and try to avoid them, we do ourselves no favors. And when we feel triggered, we think something is so wrong that we feel paralyzed and stuck in that feeling. This happens becasue we don't know how to process our feelings.   In this episode, I show you how to fully process your emotions, even the not-so-fun ones, and how doing this can actually make us wiser, more decisive, and have more joy and peace in life.  You'll learn how to stop avoiding your feelings and start tapping into the wisdom of your body. If you want to stop ignoring your emotions, listen on!  For more information and full show notes, and a free class on better connection, head to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/

Difficult conversations are part of marriage. And it can be uncomfortable to start one.  Your nervous system goes on overload. You feel tense, stressed, and like you want to RUN! This is why we often avoid hard talks and simply hold in our feelings and let them fester. But If you hold in your frustration or confusion, it'll come out eventually … often with passive-aggressive anger. Let's change that! In this episode, you'll learn how to get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. You'll reach solutions to your marriage problems more quickly - while you stay connected! Tune in and learn: How to be aware of your emotions in the moment and remain present with your partner. Why you don't have to be right! How To listen to your partner's perspective so YOU can be heard too. 4 Steps to help difficult conversations flow and reach better solutions Listen now and have better conversations tonight!  For more information go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/  

Communication with two different people who live all of life together can get tricky at times. Our decisions affect each other. And the way we talk to each other matters.  Often we're married to someone who is opposite from us in communication styles.  One can be an internal processor, where they need time and space on their own to think about decisions. And the other can be more external. The external processor needs to verbally express their thoughts and opinions.  If we don't understand these different needs, it's easy to take offense at your partners communication style.  How do you not feel ignored when your partner is quiet? How do you not feel bombarded when your partner expresses all of their stress out loud?  If you've ever been confused by how you or your partner respond and communicate, tune in to this episode.  You'll learn the difference between the two communication styles and how to use them for the good of your relationship instead of against it.  You'll learn to hold space for each other's hearts and to trust that you and your partner are on the same team. You're kicking the ball to the same goal ... even if you have a different route of getting there! If you'd like more information or to get on my newsletter, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/

If you're married to a difficult partner, you don't have to live a life of frustration and confusion. There's a better way to approach your relationship that doesn't include suffering and discontentment. You may need to adjust your expectations or you may need to set some powerful boundaries. In today's episode you'll learn: * To own your decision to stay married or complete the relationship * To step into your power and love from your strengths. * To see and value your partner's perspective * To focus on what you can control * To be present with the good in your partner and your relationship * How to set a boundary if needed. And you'll learn 5 Questions to ask yourself to get you unstuck! Only YOU can decide if you want to stay in your marriage or not .... but if you choose to stay married to someone who is extra challenging ... get the help you need ... starting with this episode.  For Full Show notes, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

In this episode, we delve into the essence of building a beautiful friendship with your partner.  The best marriages are friends first. Even if you started off hot-n-heavy and forgot to build a deep friendship, it's never too late! With intention and an open heart, you can foster a connected friendship to be the foundation of a strong, healthy marriage. In this episode, you'll learn five skills that every good friendship needs and how to incorporate them into your relationship. It's time to cultivate a bond with your partner that goes beyond romance and truly embodies deep friendship. BFFs For Life! Let's do this! For More info and a free class on better connection, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/

It's time to get a new bestie. Yourself! Just as we cultivate and cherish friendships with others, nurturing a positive relationship with oneself is equally important. We women need to do a better job of:

It's a beautiful thing to want to make your marriage better. It's good to say, “There's a better way to relate with each other than what we've been doing.” But trying to be perfect can hold you back from growth. Because perfectionism compares. It's discouraging. It shames and blames.  So how do we continue growing, while accepting that we are not perfect - and neither are our partners? How do we challenge ourselves to continue growing in love and also see the beauty in our imperfect selves? Tune in today as we discuss how to drop perfectionism and embrace growing into our ideal marriages (and selves!). For full show notes and more information, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

All humans want the same thing - to be HEARD and SEEN. And when a marriage begins to feel disconnected, you don't have to look too deep to realize that one or both partners are not feeling heard and seen.  Our relationships often begin this way - where we know that our partner is truly seeing our deepest beauty. They're supportive of our heart's desires.  And it's a shared experience. Your spouse feels like you see and appreciate their good too. Damn, those early days feel good, don't they? Listening and responding to each other's hearts is why we fell in love in the first place. But after a few years of marriage, kids, careers, home repairs, aging parents, bills, and retirement plans … and so much more … It's SO hard to slow down to hear and see our partners. I was talking to Cris about this the other day. Since he's an actor, I was curious … How - as an actor - does he tune everything out on stage and in front of cameras - to LISTEN and RESPOND to the other characters? So asked him what his process was - to genuinely listen. And we recorded the conversation! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: A simple process to listen to others when they're talking How to look deeper than the words they're saying. Why saying the “right thing” back should not be your focus. How to listen to your partner's heart and encourage their passions How listening is a practice that we'll be improving for a lifetime, but it's so worth it! Today's conversation takes place on our back porch, along with the birds and crickets! Join us! And then take the challenge to listen and respond to your partner this week!  For more information, visit: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

Are date nights a regular occurrence for you and your partner? If not, it's time to prioritize it. But what would you even do - dinner and a movie? I LOVE dinner and a movie. But I also like to spice it up sometimes and think outside the box. In today's episode, I share with you several ideas to take your dates to the next level and welcome in more joy and fun as a couple. I also share what it was like to stop drinking alcohol and to relearn how to relax and connect without wine. Listen to today's episode to hear how to bring fun to your dates - whether you're alcohol-free or not!  In this Episode, you'll hear: My 2-year journey of giving up alcohol and how it affected date nights The 27-year-old Date Night Book that got Cris and I through our first year of dating and beyond. The importance of having regular dates with your partner. For more Information on my work, come visit me at rachaelcunningham.com    

Holy Moly! We need some fun in our lives! Sometimes life can get so busy and hectic that we forget to feed our soul's desire for freedom and fun. And that's when life becomes boring and stagnant - even though you feel like you're moving at lightning speed all day. When life stays the same and you feel bored, your brain tries to fix the problem by convincing you that false pleasures that are negative for you are actually fun … like overeating, over-drinking and over-spending. And for like 2 seconds, you do feel pleasure. But since it doesn't last - and since these things don't add to your life in a positive way,  once again, you're left feeling like life is such a drag. If this sounds like you, you need some fun. Listen to today's episode to hear the case for slowing down, enjoying what you've got, and welcoming new adventures in your life. Your soul is craving some fun! Listen to it. In this Episode, you'll learn: How Being present opens the doors for more enjoyment out of life. Why our soul craves Fun and how to listen to it. How To metaphorically shake up the snow globe Why it's not helpful to blame your partner for your boring life How cultivating an attitude of gratitude for life as it is can spark creativity and pleasure For more information, visit: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/podcast/ep_89/

In this episode, I'll show you how to have a family vacation that is full of fun, connection, and peace as you create incredible memories with your family. And it starts with accepting that it doesn't have to be perfect!  You'll learn why vacations are important and how to cultivate precisely what you need out of it. Can we be honest here? Vacations can be exhausting. Going on adventures and trying to relax with family doesn't always meet our expectations. Sometimes we can even feel more disconnected and wiped out after our time to 'relax'. So I'm going to share some strategies that I had to use last month while on Vacation with my family. I went from feeling the internal chaos bubbling up to taking back control over creating the vacation we needed. Today you'll learn: How embracing the 50/50 of life (on vacations) will help you have more peace The Three things you want to cultivate on a vacation How to communicate about your vacation wants and needs ahead of time How to recover after a vacation fight How to understand the dynamics between your partner and your inlaws. How to prioritize relaxation when you have teens ... or young kids.   What I'm sharing today works! Tune in to hear how I implemented it on our trip to Hawaii last month!  For more information, visit https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/

Every long-term committed couple will have issues to navigate in their sex life. It's important to know this. You are normal. Nothing is wrong with you if you feel like something is lacking in your sex life. The business of life, parenting, different goals, communication issues, and changing hormones can all affect a couple's passion. And most couples just try to figure it out on their own .... without much success. And a lackluster intimate life can lead to feelings of guilt, rejection, frustration, and even resentment. So today we'll explore the most important first steps to bring more (or better) intimacy back to your relationship. You'll learn the most important emotion to cultivate to create a better sex life. You'll learn why knowing how your body responds to desire is more important than figuring out how to increase your libido. You deserve to experience pleasure and satisfaction in your love life. Listen to today's episode to get started!  Get more information and show notes at: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/ Book a free consultation at: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/workwithme/

Are you a spender?  You know if you are. The impulse buys online. The Amazon purchases so frequent that you have no clue what those 7 Amazon charges are in your credit card statement. And the coffee shop down the road? You might as well just give them your credit card to keep on file at this point.  Every month you try to reign in the spending and you recommit, "Okay! That's It! This month is a SPENDING FREEZE!"  And then 4 days in (if that long) you realize your budget is already getting pinched because of unplanned purchases. Or maybe it's not you that's the spender, maybe it's your partner. And it's enough to drive you mad!  There are 2 different types of people in the world: Savers and Spenders. And quite often, we're married to each other! How do we solve this problem? You want the freedom to spend. And you also want to plan and save for your future.  Can you have both? Can Spenders and Savers find a path to understanding and reaching peace together? Yes.  And Franchelle Caesar is the financial coach who will show you the missing pieces for people who constantly spend and how to speak their language. So whether you're the spender or your partner is, tune in to today's episode, and let's shed some light on a very misunderstood group of people: Spenders! 

In today's Episode of Joyful Love,  we delve into the topic of compromise in relationships and the importance of finding joy while making tough decisions. Both you and your partner have desires, dreams and opinions. And they matter - for you and your partner.  Making compromises with a partner can be challenging, especially when desires differ greatly. But when you take the time to have solution-focused conversations, listen to each other and meet any fears and concerns with patience and compassion, you can have joy as you make decisions together. Listen on to learn how confidence can play a key role in meeting in the middle and making big and little decisions together!  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

In today's episode, we will be discussing the importance of having a clear picture of what you want in your relationship and why it matters. Often, we focus too much on the negative aspects of our marriage, but by taking the time to dream up what we want and asking ourselves practical questions, we can begin to create a roadmap toward our ideal future. In today's episode, you'll learn five questions that are designed to help you envision the kind of partner you want to be, the partner you want, and the changes to make so you can love the marriage you're in. If you've never intentionally created a vision for your marriage, tune in! This is the beginning of a great tomorrow! Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

Love is a feeling. It's also a verb. I talk a lot about thoughts and feelings on this podcast. And while your thoughts are the root of your results,  without actions your partner may not know you love them! And vice versa, of course. So in today's episode, we'll be discussing the importance of being an action taker in your own love life. Expressing love and affection through verbal and non-verbal gestures creates emotional connection. In this episode, you'll learn five action skills you can begin practicing today. And you'll notice, they don't take much time at all! So don't worry. You won't be creating more busy work for yourself. You might even save time by adding in these loving actions! Tune in and learn how to create a sense of safety and security in your relationship and help your partner know - without a doubt that you totally and completely love them! Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

In today's episode of Joyful Love, I have a treat for you! Laurel Budinot is a current client of mine. We've been working together for 5 months. She's been all in for the coaching experience and has created massive change in her life and marriage.  She is uncovering her own wisdom and inner beauty more and more every day. In this episode, she shares the top 4 skills she's learned while working with me and how coaching has helped her stay on track and create a life full of joy and purpose. You don't want to miss this episode!  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

In today's episode, we are revisiting the workshop I taught at the beginning of April. You'll learn why you're feeling so irritated (Hint: it's not because your partner is just too annoying after all!) And you'll learn how to stop the irritation and see things from a new perspective. This isn't sticking your head in the sand and pretending that everything is okay .... nope we don't do that here. But we DO discover where our power is and take that power back! You are the only one responsible for your emotions - your joy - your peace ... and even the irritation you feel in life. When you feel stuck, and out of control of your own life, of COURSE you'll feel irritated. There's a simple way to take charge of your thoughts and feelings so that you can create change where it's needed ... and accept the things that aren't your responsibility to change! This is where freedom is! Freedom to experience joy and freedom to create deeper connection with your partner! Get full show notes at https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Book a free consultation with Rachael here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult      

We often want more connection and vulnerability in our relationship but we're not sure where to begin. Great questions can open the door to feeling heard and seen - which is the deepest desire of every human! If you're tired of asking “How was your day” without it resulting in good conversation, you need better questions! Listen to this episode of Joyful Love to learn powerful questions to build heart-to-heart connection with your partner.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

It can be scary to expose your true self and feelings to another person - especially when you want that person to like you - forever! So it's easy to avoid vulnerability in our most intimate relationships.  However, if you want a connected, intimate marriage, it's important to build a culture of vulnerability in your home.  In this episode, you'll learn four skills to feel and be seen and to create a safe place for your partner to open up and be seen too.     

You can have goals in life - from simple things you'd like to accomplish around the house to big bodacious dreams!  But if you don't plan the path to your goals, they'll take longer than they need to or they'll never get out of your head and become a reality. I want you to achieve your goals. I want your heart's desires to be realized! That's why today, we're talking about The Power of Planning. I'm a recovering procrastinator and self-doubter, so I get the struggle of putting things off until later! Listen to this episode to learn how I'm overcoming procrastination in my home life and my work life.  For full show notes and to find out how to work with me, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/  

Today, we'll be talking about the ultimate boss battle: your relationship with your mom and/or your mother-in-law! It's a topic that makes many people shiver! Managing our relationships with our mothers can be challenging, and if there's tension between you and your mother-in-law, it can create rifts in your relationships with your partner. From passive-aggressive comments to overbearing love, I've seen it all in my coaching practice!  So buckle up, because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the land of complex family dynamics! Listen on to learn the skills of better connection, how to set boundaries where needed, and start creating more ease around this important relationship! For more information on how to work with me, click here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/workwithme/    

We've all done it. Made a New Year's Resolution or set a goal and determined once and for all that you are going to achieve it!  You were motivated - for a week. And then, you went right back to your old habits.  So what gives? Why do you want this goal so badly, and yet give up on it over and over? Good news: There's nothing wrong with you. It's not that you're lazy or don't care enough. It's not that you just haven't tried hard enough.  There's a part of your mind that is holding you back and actually encouraging you to quit. And when you understand why it'll change the way you look at, set, and achieve your goals.  Listen to Episode 76 to finally learn how to stop quitting on your goals!  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

Are you showing up, trying to be the best partner possible, and yet your spouse isn't meeting you in the middle?  You probably feel like you're carrying all the weight in the relationship and wondering if they even want this marriage to work.  Do you finally just throw in the towel and say, "I'm done"? Or do you give it another try?  Only you know the best answer to that. And if you're not sure .... maybe it's time to stop trying to save the marriage ... and simply connect.  But how?  Through soulful questions and engagement, you can create connection with your partner as you discover what's best for your relationship moving forward. If you feel like you're the only one that cares about your marriage, this episode is for you.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

Do you feel pressure to meet your relationship goals fast? You want better communication, more intimacy, and you want to feel like a team.  And you want it yesterday already!  I get it. Once we know what we want and decide to go after it, we want to hurry up and see success. But what if your growth in certain areas is slow ... and as long as there is steady, consistent movement forward ... what if that's okay? Pressure for the perfect relationship now, can hinder your ability to connect on a deep level. And it also zaps the fun right out of improving your relationship!   Listen to today's episode to hear the case for slowing down and taking some pressure off! Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

Have you ever tried using the Five Love Languages to help your relationship and ended up disappointed, confused, and thinking you and your partner are just not compatible? Yup - welcome to the club. You're not alone. It's a beautiful idea that the more we understand our own love language and our partners - we can KNOW how to love better!Unfortunately, this concept has caused too much frustration and criticism in many relationships. This episode will shine a light on how to solve this problem. You'll learn how to use the Love Languages FOR your relationship instead of against it. Let's flip the script on this classic relationship skill and amplify your love even more!Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

It's a brand new year! It's the time for intentions, self-reflection, and goal setting. And I'm here for it!  But sometimes we can try to cram in so many goals around health, wealth, family life, and work that we forget that our soul has desires too.  Our soul desires to connect, create, and contribute to the world around us.  It's important that we don't brush these aside for the more pressing goals that we're driven to.  So - grab a cup of tea or joe .... and listen on to discover 2 goals that will fill your life with more fun and ease this year! Don't worry - these are goals that won't create pressure. These goals will create FREEDOM in your body and soul!  Listen on! If you'd like to work with me, you can sign up for a free consultation at https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/workwithme/

In today's episode, I share with you why you should embrace your Nervous System as your wise BFF! We've all been in difficult conversations where our body starts to react. We want to run, hide, scream, fight, or even freeze.  ​ Or maybe it's your partner that has a fight-or-flight response.  What are you even arguing about at this point?  Tomorrow you won't remember. But right now? You feel like your entire world is crashing down. And you want to escape. Escape the room. Escape the conversation. Maybe even escape the relationship. ​ If you end up arguing and fighting when you least expect it - you're not alone. ​ Did you know that once your body enters a stress cycle it takes 15 - 20 minutes for that cycle to complete? Yup - it takes more than your partner saying, “Just calm down” for your stress hormones to work their way through your body. ​ This is why it's so important to understand what to do if/when you or your partner gets highly stressed during a conversation. ​ Listen to today's episode to learn all about what to do when your nervous system says, "RUN or FIGHT!"   If you'd like help applying these skills to your unique relationship, I invite you to come work with me. You can book your first free consultation at https://rachaelcunninghamcoaching.as.me/consult

In today's episode of the Joyful Love Podcast, you'll hear Day 3 of The Connected Communication challenge. These skills will help you build connection and friendship with your life-long partner! You'll learn: 1. Why you shouldn't be a mind-reader. 2. How to be open to your partner's influence - even if you're independent and opinionated like me! And .... 3. Exactly how many problems to work on at a time! If you think your partner should know what you're thinking, if you're annoyed when your partner shares their opinion, or if your conversations turn into a "bash each other" fest ... this episode is for you! Enjoy! If you'd like to be all in on creating a marriage that feels good to be in, come coach with me! You can book a free consultation to learn more here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

In today's episode, I share Day 2 of The Connected Communication Challenge. You'll learn how assuming the best of your partner and a curious mind make your discussions easier. ​ And as a BONUS, you'll learn why the brain wants to hold you back from growth and change and what to do about it! ​​ Enjoy today's episode with your partner and begin practicing these skills together! To sign up for a free consultation, go to https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/workwithme/

In our conversations with our loved ones, we can get real critical real quick. “If he'd just do things this way, he'd be better.” “If she'd act this way, I could love her easier.”And with each critical thought or remark, we hold ourselves back from deep connection between our soul and our partner's soul.But it doesn't start (or stop) with our loved ones. We turn that criticism on ourselves every chance we can get. “If I'd stick to this habit, I'd be prettier.” Or, “Ugh, I'm so stupid!”  We've all had similar thoughts at one point or another. Look, if criticism and loathing changed anything about our lives for the better, I'd tell you to do it all day long. But it doesn't. It makes things worse. Because the inability to see your innate worth and beauty is KEY to connecting to the heart and soul - of yourself and your partner. And that's what we want, right? Connection. Deep connection. Join me today as I share the replay of Day One of the Connected Communication Challenge. Listen, Absorb, and open your heart to more love today. You are worthy, exactly as you are. And so is your partner. Book a free Consultation to learn how to work with me at https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

The Holidays are among us and it's a beautiful time to give and receive. But what do we really want this month? Many of us want rest and recovery. We want to hunker down and sit by the fire reading books and sleeping in a little longer. We want the comforts of home and peace. We want long snuggles with our loved ones! However, with all the extras in our schedule, it can be a challenge to get that sweet hibernation time in! If all you want for Christmas is to slow down and rest a bit - today's episode is for you! You'll learn to respect the need for rest and a new way to make stress less overwhelming! For full show notes, including links to books and poems mentioned, go to www.rachaelcunningham.com

This week we continue the conversation about fear and love. How do we let love lead when fear is the overwhelming emotion? How do you calm the animal brain so you can relax and take action from love?The truth is fear rises in many situations - whether it's actual danger, perceived danger, or even the fear of judgment. So you need a process to take you from fear to peace. From fear to calm. From fear to love.Listen to the full episode to find out 4 steps to take when your monkey brain freaks out! Whether you worry about your preschooler or your adult child … whether you worry about not being good enough, or if you worry about the unknown when you make a big decision or create change in your life,  this episode is for you. Listen to the full episode at the link in my bio @rachaelcunninghamcoaching#womenshealth #loveoverfear #marriage #parenting #lettinggo #lowenergy #selfcare #marriedlifebelike #mentalhealth #emotionalheal #lifecoach #lcscoach #womenscoach #relationshipcoach #marriagetips #overwhelmed #hustle #slowdown #listentoyourbody #thoughtsmatter #thoughtwork #monkeybrain #survivalbrain #listen Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/podcast/ep_65/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

In today's episode, I get personal and record on the fly in my car. I feel like for the past 6 months our family life has been in constant change. So much newness and change and wonder. And with change can come fear. So what do we do with fear? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? Or is there a balance to bring in .... with Love and Trust? Tune into today's episode for a raw, imperfect, driving-in-my-car recording to hear how I'm dealing with my 2 oldest kids moving out!  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

Are you feeling numb about your relationship? Maybe you're apathetic about creating a connection with your partner… maybe you'd rather be alone than have a date night.  Most long-term couples feel a little apathy during different phases of their relationship.Sometimes our brain just wants to take a break because we've got a lot going on! And sometimes it chooses our relationship to take a break from. That's when you start feeling distant, numb, and start questioning your choice to be in the relationship … These are All very normal things. But instead of brushing this feeling aside, or allowing it to take us down a rabbit trail of despair, it's important to pay attention and be aware of it. Listen to today's episode to learn 3 action steps for when you're feeling apathetic about your relationship. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

Low energy, intense cravings, mood swings, waking up in the middle of the night - they're all symptoms of hormones shifting! It can be enough to cause you to question everything in life! When you reach your 40's and 50's (and sometimes even earlier), you start to notice a difference in how you feel. Is there anything you can do about it? What does your body need? Can you protect yourself and your relationships during this time?Candy Wright is an expert coach in menopausal health. And for this episode, she shares mind-blowing (and refreshing) truths about this time of life. No matter what phase of life you're in … whether you just had a baby and your hormones are balancing out or you're noticing perimenopausal symptoms, you'll want to listen to this episode all about hormones! Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult

When one or more partners in a relationship are neurodivergent, it can add unique challenges to a marriage. Neurodiversity refers to a variation in how one's neurology (their brain and nervous system) operate. It includes autism, ADHD, OCD, sensory processing difficulties, and other brain variations.  This means your brain (or your partner's brain) processes the world differently than the majority of humans. This is not a problem in and of itself. Where the problem comes in is when you try to change each other instead of working to accept each other.  What if it's a good thing that your partner sees the world differently than you do?  What if it's good that he/she processes information in a totally unique way than you do? What would it look like to see the beauty in the way their brain works - instead of striving to change something that's not meant to be changed? Listen to today's episode to make connection easier in your neurodivergent relationship.   Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

We live in an information age. There are tons of books, classes, and programs that guide us with great advice - advice we try hard to listen to. But when your brain avoids the discomfort of change or is met with confusion, you don't implement the great advice you've learned.  This is normal. Don't beat yourself up for one more day about it! You just need to learn how to use your brain (and your emotions) for you instead of against you. This is where coaching comes in. A coach helps you see what's in your brain and work with it to bring alignment to your life and your relationship. However, it's no doubt that hiring a life coach is an investment - an investment in your mind and your relationship. So if you're on the fence about hiring me as your coach, today's episode will help you get off that fence and book a free consult with me! Hiring me as your life coach is a 6-month commitment to honoring yourself and to improving your relationship with your partner.  Listen to Episode 61 to understand exactly what we'll do in that 6 months. Then book a consultation call with me to talk specifics for your uniquely beautiful relationship and find out if coaching is right for you.  Schedule a Free Consultation with me, click here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/consult Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

On this episode of Joyful Love, I talk about asking the right questions to get better results in your life and relationships. Our brains want to focus on the negative, so it's natural to think there are problems where there are not.  When we focus on the wrong issue, it distracts us from making the changes we do need to make.  In this episode, I share how I thought my desire for alone time was a problem for enjoying married life. I thought there was something wrong with me because of my personality. So I felt guilt and shame.  But when I decided to embrace my desire for alone time instead of viewing it as a problem, I was able to find peace in who I was. And then I began asking, "what do I really want here?" How can I make marriage enjoyable AND give myself the alone time that I crave? When we stop making everything negative - we're able to create change quickly where we need to. When we remember that we are worthy of love and respect - and so are our partners - we can focus on the right questions to drive us toward connection and alignment.  Listen to the full episode to discover the right questions for relationship growth. Get the show notes here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

If your personal self-concept is low it's going to show up in every area of life.   Low self-concept can make you feel shame if others compliment you or do something nice for you. It can hold you back from genuine connection in your relationships. And it will prevent you from creating a life that you love living.  So it's time to raise your self-concept. It's time to start believing that you are worthy of love, care, and a joy filled ife.  In today's episode, you will gain wisdom from your future self and begin raising your personal self-concept today!  Listen to the full episode and head to the link below for show notes.  https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

When you're married to an alcoholic or an addict, it adds a whole new dynamic to your relationship. It brings up frustration, exhaustion, and loneliness, as you try to figure out the next best steps.Should you stay? Or should you go? Sometimes the answer isn't as black and white as we'd like it to be. That's where Deanna Marie comes in. She's a life coach for people who are married to alcoholics. Listen to today's episode to hear her story of being married to an alcoholic. We discuss everything from boundaries to knowing when to stay or leave. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

If you don't have confidence, there's no doubt that you're holding yourself back from having the life and marriage you want. We often think confidence will come easy once we achieve our goals. We thing that when we're more fit (or skinny, or curvy, or strong), then we'll feel more confident. But if you wait for your goals to be achieved to embrace total love, appreciation, and trust in yourself … you could be waiting for a very, very long time. And even then, you're still going to have a human brain that wants to focus on the negative - so it'll find something else!Confidence is a mindset. It is something that can be cultivated and created right now, in the body you have, with the home you have, with the family you have, and yes … even with all of your so-called imperfections. And since how you feel about yourself truly does affect how you show up in the world and in your relationships, it's worth improving now - not later.Tune into this episode to learn 3 steps to begin practicing confidence today. And watch the difference in how you start to show up for yourself and in your relationship. Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

Have you ever made a commitment to make a serious change in your life and then given up on it after a day or two of struggle? Of course, you have. You're a human being with a brain that doesn't like change or anything uncomfortable. We've all been there - over and over again.  So with any shift that you're serious about making - whether it's eating healthier, cutting back on alcohol, exercising, or even being more present with your family - your power is found in being willing to feel uncomfortable. You also have to be willing to feel all the emotions that you've been unconsciously numbing through the habits you're trying to break! At first, you might feel sadness, loneliness, and frustration, even more, when you begin to step away from the habits that temporarily numb these emotions.  In today's episode, you'll learn the power of feeling and processing your emotions - and how it's the only way to successfully achieve your health goals.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/

If you're a woman, you've been socialized to believe that the main reason for getting healthy is to look good in a bikini. You've also been told the lie that you have to be super thin to be healthy.  This puts an enormous amount of pressure on us.    Our self-confidence is often tied to our weight and dieting becomes something that takes up a lot of our thinking. It's exhausting. And we give up.    In today's episode, I share with you how shifting your reason for getting healthy from 'looking good in a bikini' to 'increasing your energy' is the best way to honor and respect your body on a whole new level!    Listen to the full episode to learn three steps to listening to what your body really needs and increasing your physical energy in the process!  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.rachaelcunningham.com/category/podcast/ To Schedule a Free Consultation with me, go here: https://RachaelCunninghamCoaching.as.me/mini-session

Most of us have a seriously hard time loving and valuing ourselves if we don't feel productive. We tie our worth and lovability to how much we accomplish in a day, a week, a year.  So in this episode, I invite you into my inner world this week while I'm recovering from Covid. I was on a forced rest - and my brain was having a fit! I didn't feel like myself. I questioned my worth. I even questioned if anything I ever did was any good - from parenting to coaching - my brain catastrophized everything this week.  Tune in to learn the 2 most important questions I asked to help me connect with myself again.